Why You Should Leave Car Wrapping to the Pros

Vehicle wraps are a big deal these days, and there are more and more wrap installers than ever before. Unfortunately, this isn’t good news for drivers who want the best for their vehicles. There aren’t any governing bodies for vehicle wrapping, so anyone can claim to be a vinyl wrap installer. However, some of the wrap film manufacturers certify their own network of dealer/installers to give consumers confidence and peace of mind. Certified vehicle wrap installers aren’t the cheapest, but there are plenty of benefits that discerning drivers will appreciate.

Before you allow just anyone to wrap your vehicle, consider these reasons to hire a certified vehicle wrap installer instead.

1. Trained to Wrap Your Car

Certified dealer/installers are very knowledgeable about the products they sell and install. This is good news for car owners, since a knowledgeable and trained wrap installer can get the job done faster while still producing a far superior finished product. You also don’t have to worry about the installer scratching

your car or damaging the wrap since certified dealer/installers are familiar with vinyl wrapping best practices. There’s no telling what your car will look like if an inexperienced installer gets his hands on it.

2. Access to Better Car Wrap Materials

Not only do certified wrap dealer/installers know more about the products and materials they use, but they also typically have access to better products and materials. Some car wrap films, for example, are only available through certified dealer/installers. Professional installers are also more likely to invest in better equipment and materials. Why should you care about the materials a wrap installer uses? Because cheap, low-quality wrap tools and materials can make the finished product look, well, cheap and low quality.

3. Expert Advice and Suggestions

Certified wrap dealer/installers have a lot of experience working with vinyl car film, and they can offer suggestions for your vehicle that you might not have thought of yourself. For instance, they can help you decide which type of wrap is best, the best spot to wrap your car, which design works best, etc. In other words, their expert advice will come in handy and help you with things that would be hard to figure out on your own. They can also provide you with expert advice on caring for your vehicle wrap after installation.

4. Your Satisfaction is Guaranteed

Some certified dealer/installers offer your money back if you aren’t satisfied with the results, but in any case, your satisfaction is almost always guaranteed when you hire a certified professional for the job. Shops that employ certified wrap installers usually take more steps to provide first-class customer service, including making sure that you are informed about everything that is done to your vehicle. Most cut-rate, “fly-by-night” installers will only be concerned with one thing: getting your money.

Auto Super Shield is staffed by highly trained, certified professionals who are devoted to perfecting every aspect of the wrapping process. Visit our car wrapping shop near Miami or call us at 561-367-0101 to get a quote on vinyl wrap for your car. We also specialize in paint protection film installations if you’re looking for a transparent protective barrier for your vehicle.

Tinted windows add undeniable sex appeal to just about any car, truck, or SUV—as long as you keep them clean. Neglecting your tinted windows will result in water spots and dirt, which can give your entire vehicle a run-down look, and may even lead to tint film damage. In any case, you spent good money to tint your car windows, so taking a few minutes to learn about window tint care and cleaning is time well spent.

How to Clean Window Tint

Believe it or not, there is a right way and a wrong way to clean tinted windows. Following a few basic tips and guidelines will prevent all sorts of window tint problems in the future such as scratching, fading, bubbling, and peeling.

Use the Right Cleaning Solution – Window tint film can easily be damaged with the wrong chemicals, and unfortunately these are the same chemicals a lot of people use when they clean off their car windows. Ammonia-based window cleaners (most of the blue bottles beneath the sink) can deteriorate the film. For best results, always use a window cleaner specially formulated for automotive window tint film.

Employ the Two-Towel Method – One of the secrets of professional auto detailers is the two-towel method for cleaning car windows. Use one microfiber towel to wipe down the window and the second towel to buff away any remaining cleaner or moisture. This is the best way to ensure a streak-free finish. Using microfiber towels will also prevent scratches and swirls in the tint film like you might get using paper towels or regular cotton towels.

Give Opposite Final Wipes – When you switch to the second microfiber towel to finish wiping off the window, give the outside of the window a horizontal wipe and the inside of the window a vertical one. This way you can quickly spot a smudge or missed spot and know immediately whether it’s on the outside or inside of the glass based on whether it’s horizontal (outside) or vertical (inside).

How to Prevent Window Tint Wear

Standard hybrid film (contains dye and metal deposits) generally lasts about five years, while most high-end metallized window film can last twice as long. Carbon and ceramic tint films are even longer lasting, often coming with a lifetime warranty. However, regardless of the type of window tint you have on your car, you need to be careful if you want to get the full lifetime use and value out of your tinted windows.

Never use ammonia-based window cleaners

Clean off tree sap, bird droppings, and other damaging substances as soon as possible

Avoid coarse paper towels and cotton washcloths

Be careful not to fling your seat belt off, which can scratch the film or even chip the glass

Aftercare Tips for New Window Tint

If you just had your car windows tinted or are planning on having it done soon, these aftercare tips will come in handy and help make sure you’re completely satisfied with the results.

Leave the windows up for at least 48 hours after the tint film is installed. This time is necessary for the tint to adhere to the glass so it will not peel away when the window is rolled down.

After 48 hours, wipe the windows down with a non-ammonia cleaner; or better yet, wipe the windows down with a cleaner specifically formulated for tinted windows.

Note: bubbles may appear and are normal for the first few days after the windows are tinted. You may also notice tint that appears cloudy, hazy, and has water pockets. These will go away as the film dries out; if they don’t, return your vehicle to the shop that performed the installation.

If you want to upgrade your tinted windows or get your car windows tinted for the first time, Auto Super Shield in Boca Raton is the ultimate destination for premium window tint in South Florida. Contact us online or call (561) 367-0101 to get a free quote on window tint installation or to learn more about the premium tint brands we carry.

Want to add a cool touch to your car? Tinted windows are sleek and sexy, and higher-end films can even keep temperatures down inside your car and protect your interior (and your skin) from sun damage. We’ve covered a lot of topics before regarding tinted windows—including the best window tint brands and different types of window tint film—but never the question, “Where do I go to get my car windows tinted?” There are lots of options, some better than others, but we’ll reserve our judgment and let you make the choice for yourself.

Auto Dealerships

There’s only one time when you should pay to have your windows tinted by a car dealership, and that’s when you’re buying a new car. Dealerships are notorious for overcharging on parts and labor, so unless you can work the cost of the installation into the finance plan or lease arrangement, don’t spend more on window tint then you should. However, if you are leasing a vehicle, check with your dealership first to make sure that aftermarket window tint film isn’t prohibited by the lease agreement.

Something else to keep in mind is that the mechanics in the dealership service center may not necessarily specialize in window tint installations. For best results, trust your vehicle in the hands of someone who spends most of their time installing window tint film.

Auto Body Shops

Although not all body shops perform window tint installation, the ones that do typically have someone (or a team) that specialize in window tint film jobs. There is also the convenience of getting your windows tinted while at the same time taking care of any dents, dings, or scratches in your car. An important question to ask of any auto body shop that advertises window tint film installation is the type and brand of film used. Lower-priced, lower-quality window tint film can experience adhesive failure, color alteration, and distortion problems.

Car Customization Shops

A step above auto dealerships and body repair shops is modification shops. Also known as customization shops, these are places that specialize in aftermarket car modifications. In other words, these are the places to go if you want to transform the look and feel of your ride. Because car customization shops are familiar with high-end materials and premium auto brands, they are the ideal place to go if you drive an exceptional vehicle that requires the finest window tint film.

Mobile Window Tint Installers

Another option is to hire a mobile window tint installer to come to you. These mobile installers can work on your car while it’s parked at home or at work. You may pay extra for the convenience, but it may be worth it if you have a busy life. Another positive of hiring a mobile installer is the fact that window tint is all they do, so you know the finished product will look great and last for years to come.

Auto Super Shield is your destination for high-end, premium window tint film in South Florida. We carry the very best window tint film available on the market today, and our experienced window tint installers specialize in high-end applications on luxury vehicles. Learn more about our window tint films or installation services by calling us at (561) 367-0101.

Not everyone has the time (or money) to get their car detailed every week, and those cheap drive-through car wash spots can take a noticeable toll on your car’s paint job over time. But before you fill up an old bucket with dish soap, make sure you only use the best car wash shampoo specifically formulated to keep your high-end luxury ride looking high-class.

Why Dish Soap Doesn’t Work for Car Washes

Before we look at the best car wash soaps, you might be wondering why you shouldn’t use dish soap to wash your car. For starters, it’s important to understand that dish soap is formulated to be as abrasive as possible in order to remove grease and caked-on food from dishes. This can have the unintended (and unfortunate) consequence of breaking down your car’s protective wax finish and giving the paint job a dull look. Dish soap can also damage rubber components and accelerate oxidation of metal body trim and wheels.

What to Look for When Buying Car Wash Soap

The next question you might ask is what makes a good car soap and what should you look for when buying soap to wash your car? Here are some of the important things to keep in mind as you navigate the wide world of car wash soap:

Concentration – Although concentration isn’t necessarily a measure of a soap’s quality, it’s important to keep in mind if you want to get the best deal. The higher the concentration, the more you get from the bottle when you dilute it with clean water.

pH Level – This is a measure of the soap’s acidity or alkalinity. A high pH content means the formula is very alkaline, and too low means the soap is very acidic. Both can damage your car’s wax, coat, and paint over time, so look for a soap that is pH balanced (don’t worry, most high-quality car wash soaps are engineered to have the ideal pH level).

Water Spot/Streak Resistance – High-quality car wash soaps are also formulated to resist unsightly water spots and streaks after rinsing. Quick-drying solutions usually help you avoid both of these problems, although you may look into getting a water softener system installed on your outside hose if your home has hard water (the mineral and sediment deposits that make “hard” water can leave spots and streaks on your car no matter how resistant to water spots the car wash soap you use is).

Scent – This is another minor consideration when buying car wash soap, but it’s an important one nevertheless. Overly pungent smells can linger on your car and may cause a problem if you or someone in your family has certain allergies.

The Best Car Wash Shampoo of 2017 (So Far)

Meguiar’s Gold Class Car Wash Shampoo and Conditioner – Look on any “top car wash soap” list and Meguiar’s Gold Class Car Wash Shampoo and Conditioner is almost unanimously considered to be the best-of-the-best. The premium formula is designed to wash and condition your car in one easy step. What does conditioner do? It clears away debris for ultra-radiant paint color and clarity. Meguiar’s Gold Class is safe on all paint types and is safe to use on wax finishes.

Chemical Guys Mr. Pink Super Suds Car Wash Shampoo – Chemical Guys is one of the top picks among professional auto detailers when it comes to polishes, degreasers, interior cleaners, and of course car wash soaps. Mr. Pink is a gentle, pH-balanced formula that removes dirt, rime, and debris without dulling your car’s paint or leaving behind unsightly soap residue.

Green Clean Automotive Car Shampoo – Get your car clean and do something good for the environment with waterless car shampoo from Green Clean. Simply spray on and wipe off, no water required! Made with natural bio-based ingredients, Green Clean car shampoo is free of any harsh solvents or chemicals that can fade your vehicle’s paint and wax finish. The makers also claim to have the highest exterior body protection among detailing car shampoos and offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee with every bottle.

If you care enough about your ride to hand-wash it yourself using the very best cleaning products, take the next step and apply a protective film coating. Paint protection film (PPF) surrounds your vehicle with an invisible barrier that protects the paint underneath from chips, scratches, swirls, fading, and oxidation. Contact Auto Super Shield to get a quote on the very best PPF in South Florida.

Vinyl wrapping is one of the best things to happen to aftermarket car customization since the airbrush. Car wraps can completely transform the vehicles they are applied to, and the endless design possibilities means you can get the exact look you want with vinyl wrapping for a fraction of the cost compared to a new paint job. Speaking of cost, if you’re considering a DIY car wrap job to save money, you might be surprised to learn that it may wind up costing you more in the long run to do it yourself.

Buying Vinyl Car Wrap

The first cost you need to consider is the cost of the vinyl wrap itself. Vinyl wrap can range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars depending on the size of the roll and the type of film. Higher quality wrapping films from leading brands like 3M will cost more, but every extra dollar spent is worth it in the long run if it means a higher quality wrap job.

For example, a 5×10 foot roll of gloss black vinyl wrap film is around $100 from online retailers. Specialty finishes like brushed chrome or snakeskin will add to the total cost. The same size roll of 3M carbon fiber vinyl wrap from the same online retailer costs $90 more.

One of the drawbacks (and dangers) of buying vinyl car wrap yourself is that you may order more wrap film than you need. This can add a lot to the total cost of wrapping your vehicle. On the flip side, you may order less than you need and then have to pay for shipping on the second roll you need to finish the job. When you leave it in the hands of a professional, you only pay for the exact amount of vinyl film needed to wrap your car.

Car Wrapping Tools

One of the many reasons why people don’t normally wrap their own vehicles is the fact that few people outside of the circle of auto detailers and wrap installers have the tools needed for the job. On top of buying the vinyl wrap film, you will also need to purchase a handful of tools and equipment to help with the installation. Of course, you’ll need to learn how to use these tools, but that’s another subject; for now, let’s focus on simply how much it will cost you to purchase the tools you need.

Squeegees and Tucking Tools – You’ll need squeegees and tucking tools to apply the film to the car. Kits are available online and range from about $30 to $300 or more depending on the number of pieces in the kit.

Knives and Blades – Not any knife or pair of scissors will do when it comes to cutting vinyl graphic and wrap film. Specialty wrap blades are designed to cut through the paper release liner of the film so there’s no risk of damaging the wrap. Professional wrap cutters cost between $30 and $50.

Heat Gun – Vinyl wrapping a car is impossible without a heat gun. The film needs to be carefully heated in order to be stretched over curves and lines in the body. A digital heat gun can range between $50 and $100 or more.

Infrared Thermometer – See the above description (“The film needs to be carefully heated…”) and you’ll understand why you also need a thermometer. This is an important tool for making sure that you don’t overheat the film and damage it as a result. IR thermometers can also range between $50 and $100 or more.

So to recap: Just for the most basic tools you’d need to wrap your car, you’d be looking at spending between $160 and $500 or more. The only time it may be worth the investment to purchase your own tools and do the job yourself is if you plan on changing the look of your car every couple of months. Even then, it may take you a few DIY jobs before you start seeing a “return” on your investment.

How Long it Takes to Wrap a Car

Any attempt to answer the question, “How much does it cost to wrap your car?” would be incomplete without mentioning how long it takes—after all, time is money. It can take two people a full day at least to wrap a four-door, sedan-sized car. It can take even longer if you still need to figure out how exactly to apply the wrap film to your car.

Don’t waste your time and money wrapping your own car when the experts at Auto Super Shield can do it for you. Our car wrap installers have many years of experience and use the latest tools in order to finish the job quickly without sacrificing quality or appearance. If you live in South Florida, contact Auto Super Shield to get a free car wrap estimate.